Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR81

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

Impact

The resolution recognizes the historical context of child labor in the United States, where unregulated labor practices adversely affected the health and welfare of young individuals. Given that previous federal efforts to control child labor have faced legal challenges resolution, this amendment is an attempt to rectify the limitations imposed by court rulings on Congress's regulatory authority. By ratifying this amendment, Hawaii would align itself with the broader national movement aimed at providing stronger protections for minors in the workforce and potentially influence similar actions in other states, which collectively could push for a more unified federal policy.

Summary

Senate Resolution 81 (SR81) is a legislative move by the Hawaii Senate to ratify a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States aimed at addressing child labor laws. The amendment, first proposed in House Joint Resolution 184 in 1924, intends to grant Congress the power to limit, regulate, and prohibit labor for persons under eighteen years of age. SR81 reflects Hawaii's position among the remaining states yet to officially address this historic proposition, as federal regulation of child labor has evolved through various laws, notably the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

Contention

Opponents of the original amendment have historically argued against it on grounds of states' rights and concerns about expanding federal power. Accusations of the amendment being a vehicle for ulterior motives, including claims of communism, have historically impeded its ratification. Supporters of SR81 counter these arguments by emphasizing the need for federal legislation to ensure the safety and welfare of minors in the labor market. The successful ratification of this amendment could signal a critical shift in the balance of regulatory power between state and federal authorities, enabling more cohesive protections under child labor laws.

Companion Bills

HI SCR99

Same As Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

Previously Filed As

HI SR109

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SR102

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SCR203

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SCR127

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI HCR98

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI HR105

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SR45

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And For Members Of Congress.

HI SR168

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI HCR15

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

HI HR15

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

Similar Bills

HI SR109

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SCR8

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SCR203

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SR102

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI HCR98

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI HR105

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SCR127

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SCR99

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.